Following Yonder Star (2024)

Director: Jeff Beesley

Starring: Brooke D’Orsay, John Brotherton, Isla Verot

Abby Marshall, once celebrated for her role as an inspirational mother on TV, is finding her real life in shambles after dealing with a scandal. She retreats to a luxury Vermont resort for Christmas only to find herself without a room due to a booking mishap. Thankfully, Abby finds a room at a quaint B&B, owned by Tom Maguire, who is also a high school astronomy teacher.

Ahhh, another Christmas feel-good movie from Hallmark, once again doing what they do best.

Abby (Brooke D’Orsay) is the star of a TV series called Guiding Grace. After a meltdown in a store, Abby decides to escape a while and head to Vermont. Arriving at the hotel, she realized she booked the wrong date, leaving her stranded. Fortunately, she finds a room at Maguire Inn, owned by the very handsome Nick Maguire (John Brotherton).

Nick is directing a Christmas play, but – in his own words – he is not very good with children. Abby – having experience in the field – offers to help. Yeah, off course we know she’s going to fall for Nick – and visa versa – but I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed. It felt very natural (something Hallmark usually seems to get right).

I must also say, I thought John Brotherton did a wonderful job as Nick. He is devilishly handsome and also very funny. I think he would be fabulous as a gay character in a comedy (just saying…). I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and there are a few very touching and beautiful moments also.

Would I watch it again? Possibly every year around Christmas, yes.